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With a daring move, the Wallabies rested a dozen-plus stars and appointed the team's least seasoned skipper in 64 years. Against the odds, this gamble paid off, with the Wallabies defeated their former coach's Japan team by four points in a rain-soaked Tokyo.

Snapping a Slide and Preserving a Perfect Record

This narrow win ends three-match slide and keeps Australia's perfect track record versus Japan unbroken. Additionally, it sets them up for the upcoming fixture to Twickenham, where the squad's top lineup will strive to replicate previous thrilling win over England.

Schmidt's Shrewd Strategy Pay Off

Up against world No. 13 team, Australia had much on the line after a challenging home season. Head coach the team's strategist opted to give less experienced players their chance, concerned about fatigue over a demanding five-Test tour. The shrewd yet risky move mirrored an earlier Wallabies experiment in recent years that resulted in an unprecedented loss to the Italian side.

First-Half Challenges and Injury Setbacks

Japan began strongly, with hooker Hayate Era landing several big hits to unsettle the visitors. However, the Wallabies steadied and improved, as Nick Champion de Crespigny scoring near the line for an early advantage.

Fitness issues hit early, with locks locks forced off—Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and his replacement Josh Canham. The situation required an already revamped Wallabies to adapt the team's pack and game plan mid-match.

Challenging Offense and Breakthrough Try

The Wallabies applied pressure for long spells on their opponents' try-line, hammering the defense via one-inch attacks but unable to score over 32 phases. After probing central channels ineffectively, they eventually spread the ball at the set-piece, with a center breaking through and setting up Josh Flook for a score that made it 14-3.

Controversial Calls and The Opposition's Resilience

A further apparent score by a flanker was denied on two occasions due to questionable calls, summing up an aggravating first half for Australia. Wet conditions, narrow strategies, and the Brave Blossoms' ferocious tackling ensured the contest tight.

Second-Half Drama and Tense Finish

The home team came out with renewed vigor after halftime, registering via a forward to close the deficit to 14-8. Australia responded quickly with Tizzano scoring close in to re-establish a comfortable lead.

But, Japan responded immediately when the fullback fumbled a grubber, letting a winger to score. With the score four points apart, the match was in the balance, as Japan pressing for a historic win over Australia.

In the final stages, Australia dug deep, securing a key set-piece then a infringement. The team held on under pressure, clinching a hard-fought win that sets them up for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere tour.